Yesterday In Mexico

Friday

Nov 30, 2012 at 11:44 AMNov 30, 2012 at 11:47 AM

Column published Nov. 30, 2012 in The Mexico Ledger

Compiled by Brenda Fike

100 Years Ago"The Missouri Commercial College, which occupies the second floor of the First National Bank Building, has re-opened and all the students except one have taken up their studies, and the prospects of the school being a success are good, as the proprietor, Mr. H.F. McCallister has decided to remain here and make Mexico his home. He needs but five more students to put the school on a self supporting basis. He has been assured of several new students, from out of town, to commence the first of the year. Mr. McCallister states that at least a dozen young men and women have said that they would at once enroll, if they were assured that the school would remain here. They do not doubt the honesty of those in charge, as they are experienced teachers. If the entire tuition fee is paid, it may be done so through any of the banks, or Commercial Club, and will be paid to the College as earned monthly. Mr. McCallister has faith in Mexico, and will remain here. He stated to the Commercial Club that if the people would encourage him by sending their sons and daughters, he would undertake to do his part and even "live on a sandwich diet for a year" if necessary. This the spirit that succeeds."50 Years Ago"James V. Worstell, Audrain County Balanced Farming agent since May 1958, submitted his resignation last night at a meeting of the Audrain Extension Council. The resignation will be effective Jan. 1. Mr. Worstell will become manager of the A.P. Green Fire Brick Co. farms. The Worstells moved here from Edina in Knox County where he was Balanced Farming agent for five years. Mr. Worstell, 36, holds master of science and bachelor of science degrees from the University of Missouri. He was born in Iowa and was raised on a farm near Columbia. He served 2 1/2 years in the Merchant Marines in World War II and in the Korean War was inducted into the Army serving two years, of which 11 months was in Korea. He is an officer of the Mexico Jaycees. His wife, Laura, has a B.S. in home economics from the university of Missouri, and she is president of the Jaycee auxiliary. Mr. and Mrs. Worstell and their seven children live on a farm southeast of Mexico. Mr. Worstell's replacement as Balanced Farming agent will be appointed by the University of Missouri Extension Division with the approval of the Audrain Extension Council."25 Years AgoTwo veteran Mexico City Council members have decided not to seek re-election in April. Mexico Mayor Larry Webber and Mayor Pro Tem Leila Inlow said this morning they do not plan to seek additional terms on the council. Their current terms expire April 5. Mr. Webber, who has served as mayor since 1984, has been a councilman since 1980, when he was elected to fill a one-year unexpired term. He said today that he has "no plans to file" for the April election, explaining that he plans to devote more time to his family. Mrs. Inlow also cited family responsibilities as a primary reason for her decision not to seek a second three-year term. She said she had discussed with her husband the question of how long she should serve before she accepted the appointment to fill a one-year unexpired term in 1984. There have been no announced candidates for the two seats since the filing period for the April 5 election opened Nov. 24. Prospective candidates have until 5 p.m. Dec.18 to file. ... The Missouri Veterans' Home honored 73 volunteers, who have donated 12,097 hours to the home and its residents, at the second annual awards program, sponsored by the home's Assistance League at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Nov. 21. Each volunteer was introduced by Ruth Ann Menneke, supervisor of volunteer services, and each received Missouri Veterans' Home pins, hour bars, or certificates of appreciation from Robert K. Bohrer, home administrator, and Col. Robert Johnson, president of the home's Assistance League.10 Years Ago"Once known as the "Firebrick Capital of the World," Mexico could be without its final brick factory and 40 jobs. The Jan. 15 closing of the Mexico and Wellsville National Refractories plants was announced in an Associated Press article released on Saturday that cites a notice filed by National with the Missouri Department of Economic Development. The AP story stated that the National closing would mean the loss of 200 jobs in Mexico, but sources inside the plant say that there are only 40 employees left. The plant had approximately 100 employees during most of the sumer, but according to sources, plant workers were laid off in bunches from September to now and brick production has stopped. The Jan. 15 closing date coincides with a federally mandated 60-day notice called WARN posted on Nov. 15 designed to protect workers from massive layoffs. National, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last year, announced in September that it was attempting to sell the company by Dec. 31. The sale of the company can still occur, but City officials have mixed opinions about the possibility of the sale. "We don't know entirely what's going on over there, but we do know that someone is actively seeking the purchase of the plant. It's a long story," said Mexico Mayor Richard Buffington."

The Yesterday In Mexico column is published daily in The Mexico Ledger. An expanded column is published on Fridays. Call the circulation department (573) 581-1111 for subscription information.

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